GOBBLE, GOBBLE THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY TRADITION
But in 1621, the Plymouth Pilgrims and Wampanoag did not eat like we do today. Moreover, they did not see their meal as a special occasion. Thanksgiving dinner has been used to celebrate the autumn harvest for hundreds of years and is a tradition that predates the colonies. The Wampanoag people brought venison to the party, and the Pilgrims supposedly brought wildfowl. While an estimated 10 million wild turkeys were prowling the Americas at the time, the Pilgrims more likely dined on duck and goose — which begs the question: If the Pilgrims didn’t eat turkey on the “original” Thanksgiving, why do we? A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP Turkey became the staple of Thanksgiving dinner due to a few contributing factors. Unlike chickens and cows, which can provide eggs and milk, turkeys are only useful to farmers as a source of meat. As gruesome as it may
sound, that fact also makes turkeys disposable. Additionally, one turkey can typically feed a whole family, so it became a popular source of protein in America. However, it may be cultural staples, like Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and Sarah Hale’s novel “Northwood,” both portraying decadent turkey meals, that played a more significant part in its popularity on the holiday table. Hale was also a key campaigner for Thanksgiving to bring together families across America and repair a nation splintered by the Civil War. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln granted her wish and made Thanksgiving an official national holiday. She was likely the biggest factor in turning turkey into the star of Thanksgiving dinner and, as a result, is likely the nemesis of turkeys everywhere. In 2022, about 210 million turkeys were farmed across the country, and Americans consumed 46 million on Thanksgiving alone.
Part of what makes special occasions special is the foods they are synonymous with. We have cake on our birthdays, candy on Halloween, and turkey on Thanksgiving. How these culinary staples became linked with these holidays is rarely questioned because we all enjoy sweets, and blowing out candles is fun. But is that reason enough for them to be integral to our holidays? Why is Thanksgiving Day, the celebration of harvest and gratitude, synonymous with turkey dinner? THE ORIGINAL MENU Many in America believe we model our Thanksgiving cuisine after the menu of offerings available during the original feast.
WELLNESS BEGINS AT HOME
Indoor Wins Against Bad Weather
There are more solutions to staying happy and healthy this winter than owning a home gym. When bad weather forces you inside, remember these tips to keep your physical and mental well-being strong throughout the season. GET FIT BY THE FRIDGE. Your kitchen may not be the first place you’d think of for exercise, but it’s an exceptional spot for strengthening your arms — and not just by opening and closing the refrigerator door. Ever heard of “kitchen counter push- ups”? Start by placing your hands shoulder- length apart on the edge of the counter, standing an arm’s length away, and getting into a push-up position. From there, bend your elbows and lower your chest. Keep your back stable, and tap the counter with your chest each time. This method is ideal for people who wish to improve their arm
strength but have difficulty doing traditional push-ups on the floor.
keep your body moving without having to contend with puddles or plows.
STEP INTO BETTER HEALTH. It’s been said that walking is nature’s best medicine. Unfortunately, it could also be one of nature’s worst safety risks if you stroll through snow or rain. If bad weather prevents you from enjoying your usual walks, find a set of stairs inside and march yourself up and down. Whether you base your goals on reps or time, hitting the steps will
DON’T BYPASS THE BASICS. Being stuck inside when 5 p.m. feels like midnight doesn’t do our internal clocks any favors, especially when holiday commitments push our minds and bodies beyond their normal limits. Unsurprisingly, people tend to feel sluggish when their daily routines are derailed, leading many to sleep too often or too long. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule every day — with eight hours as the ideal target — will help your body reap the benefits of any indoor exercises you do this winter. Of course, limiting your consumption of unhealthy holiday meals and snacks is another good idea, especially when one plate of traditional Thanksgiving fare could add as many as 160 grams of fat and 3,000 calories to your day.
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